Dr. Tutela is now offering LINX as a permanent solution for reflux sufferers. LINX is a lower esophageal sphincter augmentation device. LINX stops GERD at the source Returns the Lower esophageal sphincter toward normal conditions. Allows the body to work in a more natural state Advantage Keeps the stomach in a natural state Reduces gas and bloating Preserves your ability to belch and vomit Same day procedure and home on a normal diet.

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Reflux Care

Dr. Rocco Tutela and The Surgical Associates of NJ offer a wide array of minimally invasive surgical treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD), including Hiatal Hernias. Understanding the importance and role of your family during this process they make it a point to be available to communicate your care during this process.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD affects nearly 1 in 3 people throughout their lifetime. The majority of people suffering from GERD manage this disease ineffectively with medications like proton pump inhibitors. Increasingly these medications are being found to have drastic side-effects and may even stop working. Along with your gastroenterologist, primary care or ENT physician we work closely to coordinating the care of patients suffering from GERD. In some circumstances, a large hiatal hernia is associated with GERD. At The Surgical Associates of NJ we have the ability to both repair these hernias and address your reflux symptoms.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)?

Chronic and Progressive disease resulting from a weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter. This allows acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus.

What are the Symptoms of GERD?

Heartburn

Regurgitation

Asthma

Cough

Hoarseness

Dental Erosion

Sore throat

Change in voice

Chest Pain

What are the complications of GERD?

Esophaageal Cancer

Barrett’s Esophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the esophagus)

Stricture and Dysphagia

Narrowing and Trouble swallowing

Esophagitis

Inflammation, irritation or swelling of the esophagus.

What are treatment options for GERD?

A Nissen Fundoplication is the gold standard treatment for GERD. This procedure involves wrapping the stomach around the lower esophagus and reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter

Medical therapy: Although good for initial treatment of symptoms medications do not treat the cause of the disease and does not prevent reflux. They can also have dramatic side-effects and lead to dependency

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Low Magnesium levels

Medications

Antacids

H2 blockers

Proton-pump Inhibitors

Diet and Lifestyle-A good initial way to treat your symptoms, also doesn’t treat the cause. Changes to diet and lifestyle can help with mild disease.

Diet

Many foods can decrease the LES to prevent Reflux. These include:

Caffeine

Fats

Chocolate

Others: Everyone handles food differently and different triggers may set off reflux. Keeping a journal may assist identify your trigger.

Do not lie down within 3 hours of a large meal

Lying down with an incompetent Lower Esophageal sphincter can force food into the esophagus causing GERD.

Acid production is at it peaks within the first 3 hours of eating a meal.

LINX

Lower esophageal sphincter augmentation device Stops GERD at the source Returns the Lower esophageal sphincter toward normal conditions. Allows the body to work in a more natural state Advantage Keeps the stomach in a natural state Reduces gas and bloating Preserves your ability to belch and vomit Same day procedure and home on a normal diet.

Who is it for?

Patients with:

Dependence of medications for GERD

Suffering from GERD while on medications

Quality of life affected by GERD

Difficulty sleeping

Inability to tolerate certain foods

Daily activities affected by GERD

Concerns about the long-term side effects of medications

Concerned about the long term risks of the complications of GERD itself.